Have you ever had significant dental work done? Tell us about your experience as a patient and what made it memorable.

"I had braces as a teenager and remember that the orthodontist I saw was great at keeping my nerves at bay. He had a cool office and let me pick the color of my elastics, which I always liked. This particular dentist showed me the importance of great dental hygiene. Throughout my dental school training, I took this same approach with patients and have developed a knack for building quick rapport and trust with my patients. I know these skills will be vital as an oral surgery resident."

To impress your interviewers, talk about your positive experiences with dentists as a patient. Focus on how you were treated and how that inspired a desire to provide excellent care to others. You can discuss your experience with braces as a kid or maybe even a root canal! If you had a favorite dentist growing up, talk about what made them great. Keep your answer simple and positive.